This month, the first innovation center in Kosovo was launched in the municipality of Gjlian. Headed up by Almooc, a non-profit organization that provides free education to Albanians, the Almooc Innovation Center (AIC) will open up space for sponsored companies and young Albanians to develop innovative products and ideas.

At the kickoff of AIC, Almooc hosted a  student startup competition, where students presented their project ideas before a panel of angel investors. Of all the inventions, Mapstylr was selected as the winner. Created by Korab Hoxha and Pellumb Hasani, MapStylr is a free online tool that helps you create, store and publish unique google map styles. To learn more about it, click here.

Attendees of the center’s inauguration included Mayor Lufti Haziri, students, parents, stakeholders and information technology enthusiasts.

Mayor Haziri believes AIC can help usher in a tide of economic and technological development. To continue the expansion science and coding in schools, the mayor also signed a memorandum of understanding with Almooc to promote STEM and distance learning in Kosovo municipalities.

CEO of EDUonGo and executive director of Almooc, Ridvan Ali, reaffirmed his commitment to the Almooc team in Kosovo and the and goal in providing quality education for Kosovars in the field of programming and coding.

AIC will be the one of the main resources for Albanian youth who want to learn programming, software engineering and anything else in the field of computer science. Members will also find entrepreneurial support and training, specifically in information technology and communications.